Anwar acquitted in sodomy trial

Ibrahim

Kuala Lumpur, Jan. 9 (Reuters): A Malaysian court acquitted Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy charges today, a surprise ruling that could accelerate the political comeback of one of Asias most celebrated reformers.

Justice has been done. I am vindicated, Anwar told supporters outside Kuala Lumpurs High Court at the end of the two-year trial after a former aide made the accusations in 2008.

The decision, based on the possible contamination of DNA samples, gives the Opposition a firebrand leader in time for elections expected this year. But it could also undermine one of his main arguments against the government of Prime Minister Najib Razak: that the judiciary is corrupt and biased.

Judge Zabidin Mohamad Diah found Anwar not guilty due to doubts over whether DNA samples tendered as evidence were contaminated. And because it was a sexual offence, the court is reluctant to convict on uncorroborated evidence. Therefore the accused is acquitted.